Vyskupas Ignotas Masalskis - Pranciškaus Smuglevičiaus mecenatas

ENThe article deals with the supporting activity of Vilnius’ bishop Ignotas Masalskis (Massalski, 1729—1794) who was the main supporter of painter Pranciškus Smuglevičius (Smuglewicz). Masalskis was not only a rich, but also very deep educated supporter having a very nice feeling for art. He thought that art could develop the moral virtues of public members — his conceptions reflected the programme of classicism. It might be that the 18th c. fall classicism connected the Lithuanian culture of that time with the honorable antique tradition, was some kind of balance to the political reality. The fundamental branch of art which was supported by I. Masalskis was an architecture. The constructed representation buildings — Bishop Palace in Vilnius, residence in Verkiai, Vilnius Cathedral showed the significance of Vilnius as a capital of Lithuania. The others as a Home for poor noblemen had an educational meaning of art utilitarity’s understanding. The art creations made to oder by Masalskis were devoted to the concreate interiors, also were selected for separate art gallery. The authoress of the article underlines Masalskis’ special attention to the local artists of Polish and especially of Lithuanian descent. He supported the painter Juozapas Čechavičius (Czechowicz), P. Smuglevičius, sculptor Karolis Jelskis (Jelski), architects Martynas Knakfusas (Knackfus) and Laurynas Gucevičius (Gucewicz); he initiated the teaching of architecture at the Principal School of Lithuania. Authoress discusses the principles of support according to the remained correspondence of Masalskis with M. Knakfusas.The supporter never pointed to the creative solution, he trusted in creator’s mastery, he discussed only the general idea of creative work and its purpose. While valueing the architectural design he followed the criteria of convenience. In the article is wider discussed the programme of iconographic decor of the main Lithuanian church - Vilnius Cathedral made to oder by Masalskis. The article ends with the presentation of two drawings which were found by authoress of the article in the collection of Manuscript Division at the Lithuanian Science Academy Library. The drawings are unsigned, but according to the style authoress hypothesizes that they might be the projects of interior decor created by P. Smuglevičius for Verkiai? As an additional material to the article is announced the list of I. Masalskis things, which have been made in Verkiai estate in 1795.